Page 13 of Consider The Lilies

“That’s right, alphas.” Walter stands a little taller. “This tender omega is one hundred percent pure. Never touched. A prize for any alpha looking to— What’s that?” Angelica appears at Walter’s shoulder, whispering in his ear.

The thought of someone else claiming him cuts through me, and I growl loudly. “Move!” I bark as I rush forward, desperate to reach the stage.

One big fucker in a heavy black overcoat suddenly shifts, making me take a quick step back. Annoyed at his sudden movement, I shove into him, forcing the asshole out of my way.

“Watch it!” he snaps at me.

I flash my teeth, cocking my fist, ready to throw it if I have to. I don’t say a word, holding the alpha’s angry gaze, making it clear he doesn’t scare me in the least. The alpha’s jaw ticks, and I can see it in his eyes. He wants to fight, but his desire to claim amate is even stronger, and all it takes is one punch to be banned from the Morder.

“Fuck off,” he mumbles then edges away from me.Pussy.

My eyes snap back to the stage. The omega’s head is ducked, hiding his beautiful face from me.I need to see his eyes again.

I need to see him. Scent him. Lick every inch of his beautiful body. It’s like all reason is gone, replaced with deep, senseless desire.

Angelica finishes speaking to Walter, then hands him a piece of paper. The silver-haired beta squints at it, then his brows shoot up as if shocked.

“Start the fucking bidding!” a gruff alpha yells somewhere behind me. There’s a round of agreement, and Walter’s smile pulls a little tighter.

“A quick announcement,” Walter says. “In complete transparency, this omega does have a few minor medical issues. Nothing concerning, but you have been warned. The beta’s dark eyes sweep the restless alphas. When no one argues, he raises a tiny gavel, and the bidding begins.

Numbers fly from the beta’s mouth as alphas raise their hands to place their claim. My agitation rises, and I snarl at the thought of anyone else taking him home. Soon the bidding shrinks to two alphas. They lazily bid back and forth, raising their offer by only ten bucks at a time.

All too soon, Walter’s voice rises as the bidding stalls, and neither alpha wants to go any higher.

Female omegas consistently bring in five or six figures—depending on their breeding status—but it seems no one is willing to bet anything near that for this ethereal creature.

Idiots.

“Nine hundred and eighty dollars to the gentleman in the leather jacket.” Walter points his gavel at an alpha on the far end of the stage. “Do I hear one thousand?” He looks just pastme. “Are you willing to do one thousand, Mr. Ketland?” Walter smiles, clearly hoping for one more bid. “Do you really want to miss out on this angelic creature?” He turns and looks at the omega. “Look at those green eyes. You can’t deny how wonderful he’d be to corrupt.”

Rage pumps in my veins as the familiar alpha hums somewhere behind me as if weighing his options. “Why not?” Ketland finally agrees. “I’ve paid much more for a worse-looking fuck.”

What’s left of the crowd chuckles, and the omega’s shoulders curl inward. Rage consumes me as a tear catches the spotlight. It drips down his soft cheek, dangling off the edge of his jaw before falling away.

“Five thousand!” I roar over the mass of alphas, and the omega lifts his head ever so slightly. His eyes are wide as if surprised. And I am too. I shouldn’t be doing this. My pack will be livid, but this omega is too precious to let slip away.

I must have him.

“Five thousand?” Walter’s sharp gaze moves across the crowd, searching for the bidder. I raise my hand, holding my head high when our eyes meet.

“What the fuck?” Ketland snarls, and I hear his heavy feet move toward me. He doesn’t want this omega, but he doesn’t want to lose either.

“Bear?” Walter says my name, and everyone goes quiet. Too stunned, or maybe even scared to challenge me. “You want to place a five-thousand-dollar offer onthisomega?”

I nod, forcing the beta to accept my bid.

Walter clears his throat, then looks past me, no doubt at Ketland. “Five thousand, one hundred?” he asks, but Ketland doesn’t say a word. And I knew he wouldn’t.

Not only am I six-foot-six, with more muscle than half the guys here, but I also belong to one of the most powerful packsin the country. A lot of these fuckers might hate me, but their respect for my pack will keep them in line.

“Anyone else?” Walter raises his gavel, prepared to bring the auction to an end. He waits a beat, then he bangs the tiny wooden hammer, closing all bidding. “Item number 4101 sold for five thousand to the impressive Mr. Bear Cosner.”

Satisfaction pumps in my veins as my gaze shifts to the tiny omega still standing on stage. He looks so sweet with his head bowed and his hands clasped in front of him.

Someone in the crowd lets out an annoyed growl—no doubt angry they’ve left empty-handed. The harsh sound makes the omega flinch then tremble.

He’s so delicate. So perfect.

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